Louise E. Ashmun

Current Research

I am a Civil Engineer working in the Soil and Water Engineering group of AWAE. I support Research Scientists with field research, data analysis, publication writing, and technology transfer. After a gratifying career in science education, I am excited to be involved in research using my engineering skills.

Research Interests

Modeling and mitigation techniques of hydrology and erosion after timber-harvest, prescribed fires and wildfires. This includes experiments that study hydrology, erodibility, vegeation recovery and water repellency. Using the process-based understandings, we predict erosion from spatially-varied, complex hillslopes. Develop and implement new monitoring methods and evaluate mitigation techniques.

Past Research

Erosion is a natural process; however, past management activities have caused degradation of water quality in numerous watersheds throughout various landscapes. Therefore, we develop tools and information to help managers make better decisions based on today's and future climates for improved management of our natural resources as well as impacts on life and property. Our tools and results are used by post-fire assessment teams, land management agencies, private interests, tribal and state governments.

Why This Research is Important

We learned the proper moisture content needed for prescribed fires to prevent increased or accelerated erosion and developed a tool to measure that moisture content for instantaneous readings in the field; We are able to predict post-fire erosion rates and effectiveness of selected mitigation treatments.